Cybersecurity experts warn local businesses of attacks amid Russia-Ukraine conflict
As the conflict between Russia and Ukraine continues to unfold, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security has growing concerns about cyberattacks against U.S. businesses and organizations.The agency issued an advisory in wake of the sanctions imposed by the United States and other allies, as well as international support for Ukraine, that could result in retaliatory disruptive cyber activity from Russia."It's just a good time to be prepared," said Jeff Chandler, CEO of Z-JAK Technologies. "You don't want to be an easy target for the criminals; they are constantly out scanning the internet looking for businesses who haven't followed these best practices."DHS confirms there are no credible threats right now, but Chandler, a cybercrime and security expert, says this is the time for local businesses, large and small, to make sure they're protected from foreign hackers.His suggestions include: Strong passwords and two-factor authentication for work-related accounts and computers Knowing how to recognize phishing emails and third-party links Backing up critical information to a trusted source Reaching out to an IT company to train employees on cyber security and test your network's defenses in the event of an attackAccording to Chandler, 60% of small businesses have a cyber issue every year. Out of the ones who have a cyberattack, half are out of business within one year of that attack."What we're trying to do is prevent that and make sure these small businesses are paying attention to the threat and can take care of themselves," he said.Included in the heightened threat are the possible compromises of critical infrastructure organizations like water and electricity. Representatives from Louisville Water say the company is always on high alert to prevent a disruption to our water supply. Without revealing their security measures, spokesperson Kelley Dearing Smith says it's a multi-layered approach that assesses the risk factor and implements backup systems when needed."Rest assured we have a team of employees at Louisville Water who are focused on this.," said Smith. "Protecting your information and protecting the quality of the drinking water, it's just as important as producing the drinking water."LG&E and KU released a statement saying: "LG&E and KU's top priority is protecting our energy grid and the critical infrastructure we rely upon to deliver energy safely and reliably. We are closely monitoring the situation in Ukraine, to include the reports of Russian cyber-attacks against Ukraine. LG&E and KU have made significant investments in tools, technology, and people to strengthen our protections, mitigate the risks of cyberattacks and respond quickly, if necessary. LG&E and KU are also coordinating closely with our government and industry partners to monitor and share important and timely information on the latest threats. We will continue to monitor this situation and remain vigilant."
As the conflict between Russia and Ukraine continues to unfold, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security has growing concerns about cyberattacks against U.S. businesses and organizations.
The agency issued an advisory in wake of the sanctions imposed by the United States and other allies, as well as international support for Ukraine, that could result in retaliatory disruptive cyber activity from Russia.
"It's just a good time to be prepared," said Jeff Chandler, CEO of Z-JAK Technologies. "You don't want to be an easy target for the criminals; they are constantly out scanning the internet looking for businesses who haven't followed these best practices."
DHS confirms there are no credible threats right now, but Chandler, a cybercrime and security expert, says this is the time for local businesses, large and small, to make sure they're protected from foreign hackers.
His suggestions include:
- Strong passwords and two-factor authentication for work-related accounts and computers
- Knowing how to recognize phishing emails and third-party links
- Backing up critical information to a trusted source
- Reaching out to an IT company to train employees on cyber security and test your network's defenses in the event of an attack
According to Chandler, 60% of small businesses have a cyber issue every year. Out of the ones who have a cyberattack, half are out of business within one year of that attack.
"What we're trying to do is prevent that and make sure these small businesses are paying attention to the threat and can take care of themselves," he said.
Included in the heightened threat are the possible compromises of critical infrastructure organizations like water and electricity. Representatives from Louisville Water say the company is always on high alert to prevent a disruption to our water supply. Without revealing their security measures, spokesperson Kelley Dearing Smith says it's a multi-layered approach that assesses the risk factor and implements backup systems when needed.
"Rest assured we have a team of employees at Louisville Water who are focused on this.," said Smith. "Protecting your information and protecting the quality of the drinking water, it's just as important as producing the drinking water."
LG&E and KU released a statement saying: "LG&E and KU's top priority is protecting our energy grid and the critical infrastructure we rely upon to deliver energy safely and reliably. We are closely monitoring the situation in Ukraine, to include the reports of Russian cyber-attacks against Ukraine. LG&E and KU have made significant investments in tools, technology, and people to strengthen our protections, mitigate the risks of cyberattacks and respond quickly, if necessary. LG&E and KU are also coordinating closely with our government and industry partners to monitor and share important and timely information on the latest threats. We will continue to monitor this situation and remain vigilant."
Gloss